Penguins sign defenseman Filip Kral to 1-year deal
Kral played in Finland last season.
The Penguins have signed 24-year-old defenseman Filip Kral to a one-year contract.
The deal with the Penguins is for the upcoming season and brings a cap hit of $775,000 at the NHL level.
Kral played in Finland last season for the Lahti Pelicans and scored five goals and added 32 assists, the best on his team among defenseman.
Prior to going to play in Finland, Kral played parts of three seasons in the Toronto organization, primarily in the AHL.
Hockey consultant Jack Han provided some analysis of Kral’s play, saying that he skates well, but isn’t overly physical and said that his most optimistic projection at the NHL level would be someone like Brett Kulak, but is more likely to be an AHL callup for the Penguins, if needed.
Saw a lot of him in Liiga this season (and with the Marlies before that).
— Jack Han (@JhanHky) May 21, 2024
Left-handed D who skates well, not overly physical.
Most optimistic projection is a Brett Kulak type, but most likely AHL callup. https://t.co/HN2QOPptdH
During his time with the Toronto organization, Kral played in two NHL games, making his league debut in October 2022.
Kral was drafted in the 5th round of the 2018 NHL Draft.